Felton Institute – Franklin Street – San Francisco, California

Studies consistently show that the likelihood of sustainable recovery increases when family members are involved in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic elements might influence susceptibility to drug and alcohol dependence and mental health challenges. Family interactions frequently contribute to addiction triggers. However, with the right education, family members can become pivotal support pillars during rehabilitation.

Individual therapy, often referred to as psychotherapy or counseling, is a one-on-one therapeutic interaction between a trained therapist and a client. It provides a confidential space for individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, working through challenging memories, experiences, or emotions. The therapist facilitates self-awareness, promotes personal growth and insight, and offers coping strategies to manage specific issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges. The ultimate goal is to improve the individual’s mental well-being and enhance their overall quality of life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and actions. It promotes healthy reactions to thoughts and emotions, steering individuals away from harmful responses such as substance abuse. Proven effective for various addiction recoveries, CBT enhances an individual’s self-awareness and self-control. Through CBT, individuals learn to better gauge their emotional well-being, communicate more effectively, and handle stress without resorting to drugs or alcohol.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that blends cognitive-behavioral approaches with mindfulness strategies. It is particularly effective in treating addiction, as it addresses the underlying emotional pain and destructive behaviors that often accompany substance misuse. Through enhancing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, DBT equips individuals with the coping skills necessary to maintain sobriety and improve their overall quality of life.

Group therapy entails therapeutic sessions conducted in a collective setting rather than one-on-one. It encompasses various modalities, from support groups and experiential therapy to psycho-education and beyond. The approach focuses on treatment and emphasizes the dynamic interactions and shared experiences among group members.

Experiential Therapy is a therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to identify and address hidden or subconscious issues through activities, actions, and direct experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, this method involves engaging in activities, role-playing, and other interactive techniques to garner emotional expression and self-discovery. By placing individuals in relevant situations, therapists can observe their behaviors and emotions in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback and insight. Through this interactive process, individuals can better understand their feelings and behaviors, develop coping mechanisms, and work towards resolving personal conflicts.

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), treats physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to affect their physical and mental health positively.

Whether a marriage or other committed relationship, an intimate partnership is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life. Drug and alcohol addiction affects both members of a couple in deep and meaningful ways, as does rehab and recovery. Couples therapy and other couples-focused treatment programs are significant parts of exploring triggers of addiction, as well as learning how to build healthy patterns to support ongoing sobriety.

Trauma-related counseling addresses the deeply rooted psychological wounds and distress that often coexist with substance use disorders. Recognizing that past traumatic experiences can play a significant role in the onset and persistence of addiction, this therapeutic approach aims to help individuals understand and process their trauma, develop coping skills, and work towards healing. Individuals are better equipped to achieve long-term recovery and improved mental well-being by simultaneously addressing both trauma and addiction.